Narcotics Safety & Awareness
November 2011
The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care is implementing changes under the Narcotics Safety and Awareness Act, (2010) which will impact all Ontarians who require prescriptions for monitored drugs. These changes took effect November 1, 2011 and essentially it means that if I (or any health care provider) prescribe any monitored drug (prescription narcotics and other controlled substances), the patient must provide identification and this must be recorded on the prescription.
The ID can be a Health Card, Driver's Licence, Ontario Photo Card, Birth Certificate, Passport, etc. This ID must also be presented to the pharmacy when the medication is picked up.
This change is being implemented to help reduce the misuse, addiction, unlawful activities and deaths releated to controlled medication.